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18
1931]
It is noted that arrangements have been made wtih the London County Council
by which six new Scholarships will be awarded each year (two in each of the three
terms) irrespective as to whether the present total of twelve will be exceeded or not.
Five Home Helps, specially trained at the Centre, are employed to go into
homes and do the work of the mothers during their confinements, etc. The
mothers pay weekly sums into the Club for the use of a Home Help when needed.
The midwives in North Islington are in close co-operation with the work of
the Centre and especially its Ante-natal Department.
For many years this Centre has lent scales to mothers for seven or more
consecutive days in order that they might weigh their babies at home before and
after each feed. This has been done to supplement the Medical Officer's enquiry
as to the mother's capacity to feed her child, the one test feed given at the Centre
not being in itself a sufficient guide.
In connection with the Ante-natal Clinics, if a mother is in real want, a good
mid-day meal is given at the Centre. 1,509 dinners were provided during the
Centre year, as against 151 in 1930-31. The increasing number has been due to
the general lack of employment.
It has been decided by the Committee of this Centre to retain the " Light "
work. This decision has been come to largely on the medical reports of the
excellent results which have been obtained.
South Centre.—In the medical report of the year's work for this Centre for the
year ending 31st March, 1932, it is noted that there has been a falling off in the
incidence of minor ailments. This has been in progress for some little time, as it
has been noticed for two or three years back. As an instance of the improved
standard in the home care of infants, cases with rashes and septic spots have been
much reduced in number. It has also been noticed that there has been a marked
improvement in the clothing of children, fewer garments are used, which are
changed oftener. While formerly it was the exception to have a separate garment
for the child at night, this is now provided by the mother. The proper washing of
garments is now noticed as the result of the influence of the Centre's teaching, and
the provision of soft knitted vests and knickers is now common. Skin conditions
generally, as also the rashes and septic spots already mentioned, have diminished;
there are fewer sore ears and cases of chilblains, which is ascribed to the improved
clothing and better care of the children. It is noted that this Centre also ascribes
some of the improvement to the extensive use of cod liver oil, etc., during the
winter months.
That the educational work of the Centre has been shown to have been effective
is proved by the facts observed on the attendance of the mothers after the second
baby. The hygienic advice given is reflected in them, and it is well seen on their
second attendance that the trouble spent with them on the first occasion has been
fruitful.
The " Rose " Branch of this Centre is stated to have attracted a number of
new mothers from the tenements which surround it, and one of the weekly antenatal
consultations is now held at this Branch.
During the winter the Centre distributed to the mothers, at cost price, good
nourishing broth, which had been prepared by the Islington Branch of the Invalid
Kitchens' Association, for the toddlers' dinners.